O’Loughlin happy with World Cup warm-up

Captain Sean O’Loughlin said the long trip to Australia had been a worthwhile exercise to prepare England for the 2017 World Cup.

England produced an impressive performance to defeat Samoa 30-10 on Saturday and O’Loughlin believes the game will stand the team in good stead for their return visit Down Under later this year.

“I think it’s been great to come over here and come together as a group,” he said.

“The camaraderie off field, spending 24 hours a day with each other, is good to get that bonding going into the World Cup and on the field it was a real physical battle which I think everyone wanted out of this game.

“I wasn’t involved last year, but I think the boys were one step ahead because of the time they spent together last year.

“Coming in this week, it felt like everything was on the front foot and it was about refreshing it with everyone.”